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Cybersecure & EU-compliant: Embedded development with Zephyr RTOS
How new EU regulations are changing embedded software development – and how you can stay safe with Zephyr RTOS.
With the boom of Internet of Things (IoT), Regulatory Pressure is also increasing.
Key EU Regulations at a Glance
The following regulations define the legal framework for secure embedded and IoT development – and should be considered from the very beginning:
Zephyr RTOS: The right choice for regulatory compliance
The CRA is particularly relevant for embedded software developers: it makes Security by Design mandatory. Companies must demonstrate that their products are developed, operated, and maintained securely. Zephyr, a lightweight, modular real-time operating system (RTOS) specifically designed for connected devices, makes it easier to meet regulatory requirements.
Integrated Security Architecture
Memory and Access Protection
Secure Communication
System-Wide Security Features
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Secure Boot & Root of Trust:
Zephyr ensures that only trusted software runs when the device is powered on. Using Trusted Firmware-M, the system strictly separates secure from non-secure components. This prevents malicious code from being injected and executed right from startup.
Chains of Trust:
The root-of-trust architecture enables the creation of a chain of trust, in which each component is loaded and executed only after its integrity and authenticity have been verified.
Memory Protection Units (MPU):
This hardware component isolates memory regions from each other, prevents overwrites, and thus protects against memory errors such as stack overflows, which are common entry points for attacks.
Domain-Specific Access Control:
Zephyr allows specific access rights to be assigned to individual software modules or domains, protecting sensitive data and functions from unauthorized access.
Stability & Resilience:
These protective mechanisms significantly enhance overall system stability, ensuring that errors within a single module do not result in the failure of the entire system.
Support for Secure Protocols (TLS/DTLS):
Zephyr implements modern encryption protocols for data transmission, protecting device communication and cloud connectivity from eavesdropping and tampering.
Cryptographic Libraries (e.g., PSA Crypto):
A modular crypto suite is available for secure key management and encryption, supporting hardware acceleration and meeting current security standards.
Future-Proofing:
Planned enhancements such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) further improve security by isolating sensitive operations in protected areas.
Device Authentication:
Zephyr supports mechanisms for the unique identification of devices, ensuring that only authorized hardware can join the network.
Over-the-Air-Updates (OTA):
Firmware updates can be deployed securely and reliably over the network. The integrity of the updates is verified to prevent any tampering.
Resource Protection & Access Control:
Resources such as memory, peripherals, or communication channels are equipped with fine-grained access restrictions to prevent unauthorised access.
Incident Response Features:
Zephyr can log events and supports alerts that are critical for rapid response to security incidents.
Automated Code Reviews and Static Analysis:
Zephyr includes proven tools that help detect and eliminate security vulnerabilities and code errors at an early stage.
Strict Development Processes:
The project follows a defined Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) process that covers best practices and compliance requirements.
Support for Certifications:
With its transparent architecture and documented security measures, Zephyr makes it easier to prepare for certifications (e.g., Common Criteria).
How Concept Reply Can Support You
At Concept Reply, we support companies in effectively utilizing Zephyr RTOS for safety-critical embedded applications. Our experts help you make the most of Zephyr's strengths – from architecture to secure operation:
Architecture Consulting for Zephyr-Based Systems
Integration of Safety-Critical Features
Porting and Optimization of Zephyr
Support for Certifications and Regulatory Documentation
Start now – make your embedded systems ready for the requirements of the EU.
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Concept Reply is a specialized IoT software developer focused on the research, development, and validation of innovative solutions, supporting its clients from the automotive, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure industries, as well as other sectors, in all matters related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. The goal is to offer end-to-end solutions along the entire value chain: from defining an IoT strategy to testing and quality assurance, all the way to implementing a concrete solution.